KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 50
Lost in Luxury: The Ultimate
Private Art Tour of Japan
Art is not simply observed in Japan, it is breathed, lived, and felt. The
country boasts contemporary installations in Tokyo, art islands across
the Seto Inland Sea and the beautifully preserved artistic traditions in
Kyoto, o昀昀ering a visionary display of creative expression to be enjoyed
in absolute exclusivity. Whether you are seeking traditional or modern,
this art tour provides private entry into Japan’s unrevealed showcase for
travellers who wish to look beyond the frames.
Tokyo: A Symphony of Custom and Contemporary
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the spirit of Japanese art is ever evolving,
bragging private tours that blend strokes of old and new in a seamless,
innovative fashion. The journey commences in the clouds: the high-rise
galleries of Roppongi and Ginza where museums like Ota Fine Arts and
Perrotin Tokyo reveal pieces from country’s most prized contemporary
artists. You walk alongside collectors who famously gather inside the
establishment to preview the works before they reach the market. A
personal curator will guide you through the displays before they open
to the public, providing an experience tailored, and o昀昀ers travellers the
rare chance to view works that are destined for global acclaim.
On Inujima, once a dissipated copper re昀椀ner, now leases new life, transformed into the Seirensho Art Museum, an immersive art space, where
nature architecture, and creative installations merge into a singular
understanding. With exclusive access, you can partake in a guided tour
through the works of Yukinori Yanagi, who’s refreshing interpretations
re昀氀ect on Japan’s industrial past, or a profound glance at the nuances
of the hotels stylistic design. After, you board a private boat that carries
you to a perfectly tailored dining experience at the remote seaside
destination of ryotei, where the island’s history is uniquely re昀氀ected in
your menu.
Shodoshima, remembered for its soy breweries and olive groves, boasts
fascinating open-air galleries that line the stunning coastline. During the Setouchi Triennale, the island transforms into an expansive
gallery where contemporary artists showcase works that evolve with
the elements. Alongside this unique o昀昀ering, the island hosts luxury
culinary excellence, where you can dine gazing into the blue Seto Island
Sea while tasting dishes from a bespoke tasting menu at a secluded
farmhouse.
Kyoto: Immersed in Tradition
Accommodation
At the Aman Tokyo, even your stay becomes transformed into a fused
experience of re昀椀nement and ultimate luxury. With its contemporary
interior and museum-worthy collection, you are immersed in the
cultural crafts of Japan, even o昀昀ering a bespoke art concierge service
to guests. Perhaps a private viewing of Edo- period artwork or rather
an exclusive tea ceremony with a calligraphy master. The beauty of the
capital’s o昀昀erings does not just cater to what you see, but how you
experience it: softly, discreetly, uninterrupted.
Famous for its charming temples, the city has perfectly maintained
many centuries old traditional art pieces. A luxury private tour of Nijo
Castle allows hidden access to secret spaces covered in original
Kano-school artworks, whilst a visit to a hidden machiya townhouse lets
you witness a master kimono weaver at work.
If you are after unmatched creative immersion, Aman Kyoto o昀昀ers
visitors the opportunity to request their own raku pottery piece,
hand-crafted and 昀椀red in an exclusive session with a coveted ceramicist.
Naoshima & The Art Islands: The Peninsulas of Innovation
Final Thoughts
A luxurious yacht wafts through the Sento Island Sea, sailing you to
your next destination: Naoshima- an island where art and natural allure
blend into a colourful living art piece. You will not be waiting at the back
of the line for this typically crowded a昀昀air, instead, invited underground
before sunrise to witness a exclusive tour at the Chichu Art Museum,
designed by Tadoa Ando.
You stand alone, meeting eyes with the Monet’s Water Lilies as they
glint in the delicate lighting. As you walk further your eyes widen at the
elegance of James Turrell’s light installations, all while basking in the
serenity of meditative silence.
To experience the country’s art o昀昀erings in complete luxury, value lies
not in possession but in access. To be able to stand alone before a
masterpiece, share a conversation with a renowned artist or sliding open
a door to reveal a rarely seen world of creative 昀氀air. In Japan its
artworks allow visitors to take a journey of emotion and discovery,
blended with its harmonious nature, this tour uncovers an experience
few will ever see.
By Adia May
Photos: Right - DSD and below: Engin Akyurt
Accommodation
Amongst the views of naturistic charm, you will take your rest at
Benesse House, the island’s exclusive museum-hotel hybrid. With the
right connections, you can gain rare access to exclusive rooms where
you sleep encircled by site-speci昀椀c exhibitions.
Other Islands
Although Naoshima is the main star of Japan’s art islands, it is
neighbours: Teshima, Inujuma and Shodoshima can provide a more
intimate experience. These three are often overlooked but can serve
travellers who want to envelope themselves in luxury, free from the
crowds that congregate at Naoshima.
A short boat trip away from Naoshima, Teshima is home to the beautiful
Teshima Art Museum, designed by Ryue Nishizawa, where guests
marvel at the architectural phenomena of this structure itself.
Resembling a giant water droplet, it exhibits a breathtaking blend of
water and light, all woven into a living installation. A private morning
stop ensures sheer solitude- allowing you to fully take in the dances of
light, wind, and water as they fuse together in a melody of naturalistic
elegance.
